The Hall Technique 10 years on: Questions and answers

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Cariology
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• The Hall Technique involves sealing carious primary molars with preformed metal crowns without anesthesia, tooth preparation, or caries removal.
• Initially controversial, its efficacy is now understood through the lens of caries as a biofilm-driven disease.
• The technique has been practiced for nearly 20 years, with the first publication a decade ago.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting the Hall Technique for managing carious primary molars.
• To address common questions and discuss future directions for this minimally invasive dental treatment.
• To highlight the Hall Technique's position among contemporary biological management options for primary molar caries.

Main Methods:

• Review of retrospective analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the Hall Technique.
• Comparison of Hall Technique outcomes with traditional restorative or extraction methods.
• Analysis of success rates based on reported pain and infection levels.

Main Results:

• RCTs indicate the Hall Technique is superior to comparator treatments.
• Reported success rates (no pain or infection) include 99% (UK) and 100% (Germany) at one year, 98% and 93% (UK/Germany) at two years, and 97% (UK) at five years.
• The technique is recognized as a successful biological management option for carious primary molars.

Conclusions:

• The Hall Technique is a highly successful, evidence-based treatment for carious primary molars.
• Understanding caries as a biofilm disease supports the 'sealing-in' approach of the Hall Technique.
• This minimally invasive method offers a viable alternative to traditional treatments for pediatric dental caries.